David Oyelowo and Freddie Prinze Jr. in line for Star Wars: Rebels

New animated series on the way

Last week we heard that David Oyelowo was in talks with Disney about a potential involvement in the Star Wars franchise, and more details have emerged today, with news that the star is set to lend his voice to new animated series, Star Wars: Rebels .

It had initially been thought that Oyelowo was discussing a role in Episode VII , but according to THR , he is currently in negotiations to voice one of the lead characters in Rebels .

The new series will be set between the events of Episode III and Episode IV , as the first stirrings of a rebellion against the Empire are beginning to take shape.

Alongside Oyelowo, THR reports that Freddie Prinze Jr., Vanessa Marshall, Steven Jay Blum and Taylor Gray are all in advanced discussions to voice the other leading roles.

The series is currently pencilled in for a 2014 release date, giving it a year’s start on Episode VII . As for casting confirmations on that one, we’re still watching and waiting…